February 04, 2012
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Posterior Neck Muscles

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MuscleOriginInsertionActionNerve
Superficial Posterior Neck
trapeziusexternal occipital protuberance (EOP); medial side of superior nuchal line; nuchal ligament; SPs of C7-T12lateral 1/3 of clavicle; acromion; spine of scapulastabilization of scapula; elevation scapula; upward rotation of scapula (upper fibers); downward rotation of scapula (lower fibers); retraction (adduction) of scapula; lateral flexion of head (unilateral); extension of head (bilateral)spinal accessory (CN XI), ventral rami of C2-C4
splenius capitisnuchal ligament (lower portion); SPs of C3-T4mastoid process of temporal bone, occipital bone (superior nuchal line)bilateral contraction: extension of head & neck; unilateral contraction: rotation & lateral flexion of head & neck to ipsilateral sidecervical spinal nerves (dorsal rami)
splenius cervicisSPs of T3-T6TP of C1-C3 (posterior tubercles)bilateral contraction: extension of head & neck; unilateral contraction: rotation & lateral flexion of head & neck to ipsilateral sidecervical spinal nerve (dorsal rami)
levator scapulaeTP of C1-C4superior medial border of scapulaelevation of scapula; extension & lateral flexion of neckdorsal scapular nerve (C3, C4, C5)
Suboccipitals
obliquus capitis inferiorSP of axis (C2)TP of atlas (C1)rotation of head to ipsilateral sidesuboccipital nerve (dorsal rami C1)
obliquus capitis superiorTP of atlas (C1)between superior & inferior nuchal line of occiputbilateral: extension of head; unilateral: lateral flexion of head to ipsilateral sidesuboccipital nerve (dorsal rami C1)
rectus capitis posterior majorSP of axis (C2)lateral 1/2 inferior nuchal line (occipital bone)bilateral: extension of head; unilateral: lateral flexion & rotation of head to contracted sidesuboccipital nerve (dorsal rami C1)
rectus capitis posterior minorposterior tubercle of atlas (C1)medial 1/2 of inferior nuchal line (occipital bone)bilaterally extends headsuboccipital nerve (dorsal rami C1)
©Dr. Nikita Vizniak. All Rights Reserved
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